The Confidence Podcast

Podcast #629BULLYING, MEAN PEOPLE & CATASTROPHIZINGHave you ever felt crushed by someone else’s words? Maybe it was a bully from your past, a toxic co-worker, or even just someone who was having a bad day and decided to take it out on you. It’s tough, isn’t it? Those moments can leave us feeling small, second-guessing ourselves, or even spiraling into worst-case scenarios.In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the messy world of bullies, mean people, and catastrophizing. We’re going to break it all down—how to handle the hurt, why some people act the way they do, and most importantly, how to stop letting their words and actions take up so much space in your head.But that’s not all—we’re also going to tackle that sneaky little habit so many of us fall into: catastrophizing. You know, that thing where you convince yourself that one awkward conversation or one bad day means your whole life is falling apart. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.By the end of this episode, you’re going to walk away feeling lighter, more in control, and armed with the tools to rise above negativity—whether it’s from other people or your own mind.So grab your coffee, throw on your sneakers, or settle into your favorite spot. We’re about to get real, raw, and ridiculously empowering. In this episode we're coaching on:* What to do about bullies, old voices that haunt you, and mean people in life* How to make sure you're not being a bully to yourself by being too hard on yourself* The dangers of catastrophizing - and how to know if you're doing it unknowinglyThe truth is that our fear of mean people throws us into catastrophizing, and then catastrophizing causes us to freeze. We freeze, we overthink and we stagnate. We let fear win. Don't be a person who lets fear win. PLAN YOUR YEAR-Dream what you want for 2025-Design and assign what habits you need and milestones to reach -Do the work (by following the plan we will create together).It's all happening in my live virtual event on Wednesday, December 18th, 7:30-9:30PM EST.Find out more at www.trishblackwell.com/2025YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BULLYING:What core stories do you have?What did you make them mean?Were those things said to you true?What your interpretation of it true?My own examples:You're not pretty enough.You're too Christian - be cooler.You're too intense.I'm not enough.I need to be cooler, skinnier, etc. Identify bully narratives in your life….Once you know the language and accent, you'll be onto it when it starts being spoken around you or in you. Who was the bully? Someone else? Yourself? Bullying is more about the bully than it is about you.Find a way to feel sorry for the bully.Take yourself out of the place of victim.They are trying to make themselves feel powerful or important or cool -- a bully action is a reflection of extreme insecurity and a desperate attempt to do something to feel better about themselves When you feel torn down,Build yourself back upBe willing to be disliked.If you wouldn't want someone's life or their results, don't put any value in their opinions or comments about you TAKE THE POWER BACKDecide to be unbothered by unhappy people / by mean people.Must not be pleasant in their mind.Wow, they put a lot of effort into hatred and criticism.They are so negative leaning that they are probably immune to awareness of their own negativityTheir legacy is unkind - I love that I can control and shape my own legacyUntil they are in the arena, living life big, I'm not interested in their feedback or commentary The more you can practice being UNBOTHERED, the more confident you will come across.WHAT TO DODealing with bullies can be challenging, but there are effective ways to handle the situation while maintaining your confidence and emotional well-being. Here are some steps you can take:1. Stay Calm and Confident* Bullies often seek a reaction. Try to remain calm,